Dr. Christina Korownyk

Dr. Christina “Tina” Korownyk has practiced Family Medicine at the Northeast Community Health Centre for almost 20 years.  She is a proud member of the PEER team which seeks to empower primary care clinicians through best evidence, including the creation of primary care guidelines and biweekly Tools for Practice.  She joined the University of Alberta in 2006, and recently has assumed the role of Chair in the Department.  She has published and presented on numerous primary care topics over her career. She is passionate about improving the landscape for primary care within the province of Alberta.  

One thing I love about family medicine is: The absolute privilege it is to be allowed into the lives of our patients and grow with them and their families over the years. 

Family Medicine Mentor: Mike Allan has been an amazing mentor to me since I was a resident.  Now I would also include many of my clinical, academic and PEER colleagues whom I am constantly learning from. 

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician: The breadth of information that I was expected to know.  There are constantly new things to learn.  It was a surprise and a fun challenge. 

If I wasn’t a family physician I would be:  In an imaginary world I would race mountain bikes.  In the real world – perhaps an accountant;)
 

Dr. Brendan Vaughan 

Dr. Brendan Vaughan was born in Calgary but raised on Vancouver Island. Medical school brought him back to Alberta, where he found a wife, a family, and a career in family medicine and kept busy with the many distractions of the natural environment.  

The one thing I love about family medicine is: Breadth and variety, applied to rich, long-term patient relationships 

Family medicine mentor: Dr. Rodney Crutcher 

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: My personal investment in the health outcomes of my patients. 

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: Endlessly curious, probably still in school! 

Dr. Nadine Letwin

Dr. Nadine Letwin graduated from the University of Alberta in 2000 and practices as a Family Physician in Edmonton. Her current roles include Edmonton Zone PCN Physician Lead Executive, Chair of the Edmonton Zone PCN Physician Advisory Committee and one of five Provincial PCN Physician Leaders serving on the Provincial PCN Committee. Through her various leadership roles, Dr. Letwin is a fierce advocate for the Patient’s Medical Home and has made ground-breaking strides in advocating for the voice of primary care at zonal and provincial tables, in pursuit for a better system that truly recognizes Family Medicine as the foundation of the healthcare system. As an outdoor adventurer, you will often find her hiking and exploring Alberta and the world while capturing moments through her photography.  

The one thing I love about family medicine is: building trusted, therapeutic relationships and really getting to know your patients.  

Family medicine mentor: There are many Family Physician Leaders I have met in my leadership journey that I consider as mentors. There are too many mentors to pick just one!  

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: the diversity of the role and enjoying the leadership side of medicine.  

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: a Professional Photographer (currently pursuing this as a second career!) 

Dr. Vishal Bhella

Dr. Vishal Bhella is the Clinical Associate Professor and Site Medical Lead for the South Health Campus Family Medicine Teaching Centre with the University of Calgary, Department of Family Medicine. He was also the past president of the Alberta College of Family Physicians and the past Chair of the College of Family Physicians of Canada’s (CFPC’s) elected leaders’ group.  In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Bhella is Involved in education, scholarship and clinical teaching. 

The one thing I love about family medicine is: The ability to get to know patients and families over time and being able to work with excellent teams in both clinical and leadership activities. 

Family medicine mentor: Dr. Allyn Walsh and Dr. Eric Wong 

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: How much paperwork there is. 

Dr. Lindsay Jantzie

Dr. Lindsay Jantzie is a graduate of the University of Calgary (U of C) Family Medicine residency program who has been a full-scope family physician providing care for a panel of patients since day one, while also being fortunate to provide focused care in Women’s Health and Low Risk Obstetrics. She has been involved in medical education since the early days after graduation, and became the Postgraduate Director for the UofC FM residency programs since 2019. She is a proud wife and she spends all her free time at playgrounds with her two young kids.

The one thing I love about family medicine is: The long-term relationships with my patients, clinic staff, and FM colleagues.

Family medicine mentors: Dr. Judy-Diane Cooney, Dr. Laurie Pernisie, and Dr. Cindy Landy

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: How much extra time is needed to advocate for patients to get the best possible course of care in many situations.

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: A travel influencer on Instagram.

Dr. Mehwish Hanif

Dr. Mehwish Hanif is a family physician in Calgary, with a special interest in women’s health, mental wellness, and skin rejuvenation. She graduated from the University of Calgary Medical School in 2016 and stayed in Calgary to complete her Family Medicine residency training. Dr. Hanif has a comprehensive approach to patient care and loves to help patients overcome various medical and psychological challenges. She also enjoys teaching and is a clinical lecturer with the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Calgary. Dr. Hanif continues to pursue ongoing medical education and training to bring exceptional care and expertise that her patients deserve. She has a strong passion for her work and strives to help her patients in all aspects of their lives. Outside of medicine, she loves travelling and working out. 

The one thing I love about family medicine is: It’s hard to pick just one! I love being able to connect with my patients, using a comprehensive approach to their care, and helping them in all areas of their lives. 

Family medicine mentors: Dr. Fariba Aghajafari and Dr. Rahim Damji  

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: I found it surprising in family medicine how there’s often a shortage of mental health support within our community, which made it incredibly rewarding to provide that assistance to my patients.  

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: An interior designer and a travel blogger on the side! 

Dr. Alexandra Barras

Dr. Alexandra Barras is originally from Ontario but have made Alberta her home over the last nine years. She is passionate about rural medicine, public health and her dog Marcie. She has just began practice in the Crowsnest Pass. 

The one thing I love about family medicine is: The relationships and associated continuity. 

Family medicine mentor: Dr Vanessa Rogers 

 One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: Becoming a master at logistics for patients 

 If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: Intensivist 

Dr. Helen Cai

Dr. Helen Cai completed her undergraduate degree in Health Studies at the University of Waterloo, medical school in Calgary at the Cumming School of Medicine, and finally family medicine residency at the University of Alberta. She has been re-establishing her roots in  Edmonton, the city which she considers her home. Dr. Cai is currently one of the inaugural R3s in the University of Alberta’s plus one in Family Medicine Obstetrics. She looks forward to providing obstetrical care as part of her future practice.  Outside of medicine, Dr. Cai recently ran her first half marathon and has started to train for a triathlon next summer!  

The one thing I love about family medicine is: The unique privilege of getting to know our patients on such an intimate level and caring for them during high times and low. I also love the diversity and flexibility that family medicine allows.   

Family medicine mentor: There are many mentors, formal and informal, that I’m grateful to but my main faculty advisor in residency, Dr Samantha Horvey, made my family medicine training incredible. She exemplified medical excellence, scholarship, and leadership and I’m so grateful to her for always going above and beyond. 

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: The vulnerability that our patients express and how much we can learn about our patients in sometimes a very short amount of time.  

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: A Teacher

Dr. Skye McIntosh

Dr. Skye McIntosh recently completed her family medicine residency at the University of Calgary. She is passionate about full scope family medicine, maternal and newborn care and medical education. When she isn’t in clinic or on the labour and delivery ward, Skye can be found playing soccer or softball, volunteering with Girl Guides of Canada, and teaching her dog Koda new tricks! 

The one thing I love about family medicine is: Seeing a little bit of every aspect of medicine, being challenged and learning something new every day, and developing longitudinal relationships with patients and families! 

Family medicine mentor: Dr. Lindsay Jantzie, who is a great role model in medical education and passionate about the same things as me, and Dr. Puneet Chawla, who is an excellent teacher and will spend so much time teaching but also talking about important career aspects like locuming, scheduling, billing, etc. 

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: The many ways that you can change your practice to match your particular interests or lifestyle needs at the time! 

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: An engineer like my grandfather, parents and brother (I am the odd one out) 

Dr. Stephan Guscott

Dr. Stephan Guscott is a new rural family medicine resident in Red Deer and a recent graduate of the University of Alberta’s medical school. His mission is to create a positive and supportive environment for his patients, preceptors, and junior colleagues through servant leadership and centering empathy. Stephan has held many leadership roles in student government, and undergraduate medical training. He developed a passion for rural family medicine while completing a year-long integrated clinical training program in Edson, AB during the COVID-19 pandemic. Outside medicine, Stephan is as an enthusiastic long distance and trail runner, mountain biker, dog lover, and baker. 

The one thing I love about family medicine is: Learning my patients’ stories 

Family medicine mentor: Dr. Jo Ann Robinson in Edson, AB 

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: The diversity of environments where we can provide excellent patient care. 

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: A combination of brewer, spin instructor, and public servant. 

Paige Campbell

Paige Campbell is an Indigenous individual with a heartfelt mission to brighten Indigenous health care and equity in the medical realm. From Psychology to Medicine at the University of Calgary, her journey is all about building connections. With a passion for service and a deep understanding of her roots, Paige aims to amplify Indigenous voices, promote inclusivity, and spread positive change. Through research, community engagement, and a genuine love for making a difference, she is excited to contribute to a brighter future in Indigenous health care. 

The one thing I love about family medicine is: Longitudinal relationships and integrating into communities and families 

Family medicine mentor: Dr. L. Crowshoe, Dr. P. Roach and Dr. L. Retzer 

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: It’s truly heartwarming to witness the resilience and strength people exhibit as they navigate their health challenges, and I’m grateful to be a part of their journey towards well-being and happiness. 

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: I’m not a physician yet, but I could easily see myself passionately engaging in a career dedicated to promoting community wellness and fostering connections among individuals. 

MacEwan University Health Centre

The MacEwan University Health Centre (MUHC) is a unique collaborative effort between the University of Alberta, Department of Family Medicine and MacEwan University. It is a multi-disciplinary teaching clinic teaching Family Medicine Residents, Medical Students, Nurse Practitioners, pharmacy students and Medical Office Assistants. It opened in July of 2018 and had the exceptional opportunity to design and staff this clinic with the Medical Home in mind. The MUHC offers full spectrum primary care to our community patients and in addition, looks after the student and staff health needs of the MacEwan University community. This clinic offers 24/7 on-call services and extended evening and weekend hours. Additional special interests include student health, Rainbow clinic, palliative care, underserved populations, refugee medicine, obstetrical and newborn care, sport and exercise Medicine, occupational health, and mental health.  

The biggest challenge or success we have had in adopting Patient’s Medical Home (PMH) in our clinic: One of our greatest successes must be how fluidly we can integrate change and how the change in ideas and suggestions comes from all levels. A committed Quality Improvement team that meets regularly and a team of clinicians and staff that are innovative and always willing to try new things, make decisions based on data and standardize key processes are the most likely keys to this success.   

Our biggest challenge initially was changing the mental model of physicians from “I do it all with the help of my staff “to “we do it best together”.  That confidence in letting go of the work and trust that your team will do it well, and in some cases do it better does not just happen.  Like any sports team, we need to practice until we get it right.   

What advice would you give to other clinics? Always be open to ideas from all levels, as one of our early mentors Dr. Mark Murray used to say, “The people that do the work must change the work.”  Do not be constrained by the “way things have always been done” you will not hear these words in our clinic. Leadership also needs to make quality improvement part of everyone’s role, not something that is done in addition to or off the side of the desk. In this clinic, a dedicated Quality Coordinator and Quality program leads the charge.  

Also, we base decisions on data, we collect data continuously and the data helps inform our work.  

One thing that you will be surprised to learn about our clinic: When you foster an environment of listening, respect, and creativity, you would be surprised how little conflict and barriers remain.  There are a ton of change cycles that occur at this clinic continuously, yet managing change truly seems easy, and resistance to change is virtually non-existent.